GALASSO-VIGORITO: You're the extraordinary person God created

In the beautiful northern countryside of California, a couple was outside walking its dog. Enjoying nature’s splendor, the couple had strolled along this particular pathway routinely for years.

However, on that particular day on the walk, their eyes spotted a worn-down, rusty container that was peeking out from the willowy shadows of a large tree. Stopped in their tracks, the couple turned to each other and shrugged. Next, they bent down and picked up the tarnished canister. They pried open the lid and wiped the dust off. To their surprise, the couple discovered gold coins. They stood there for a moment not speaking. Then they noticed that there were other rusty containers.

Their breath became faster as they looked closer, and determined there was more than 1,000 gold coins that were mostly dated from the 1800s. Stunned, the couple had no idea who buried the cans filled with gold coins.

When the couple brought the coins to be authenticated, the coin expert said the coins were so valuable and rare that they could be worth nearly $1 million apiece. The couple had lived on the property for years, yet they never knew that the awesome treasure was just within reach.

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Do you sometimes feel insignificant? Have you temporarily lost your way?

Circumstance could have knocked you off of your feet. Perhaps, you’ve made mistakes, have been badly hurt, or someone might have deceived or cheated you. Now, you are left feeling worthless. Burdened down in despair, your inner critic may think, “I’m a nobody, things will never get better,” and “my dreams for the future are finished.”

But wait. Just because the gold coins were buried in the couple’s backyard for years that doesn’t mean that the coins had lost their value. And regardless of what you’ve been through, you haven’t lost your great worth either. So see yourself as the extraordinary person that God created.

You are an overcomer. (1 John 5:4) You are God’s workmanship, (Ephesians 2:10) his beloved, (Colossians 3:12) and the apple of his eye. (Zechariah 2:8).

There has never been anyone else like you. So don’t settle for less than what you know you can be.

You’re God’s child. (John 1:12) Justified and redeemed. (Romans 3:24) And God is for you, so who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)

With God on your side, you cannot lose. And there is no situation that is beyond his ability and authority to resolve for your good. I recall a telephone conversation I once had with a wonderful, creative and wise 80-year-old gentleman. “I can do anything,” he said. Inquisitively, I asked him, “How?” Confidently, he declared, “I turn situations over to the Lord, and he will do it for me. There are no obstacles he cannot turn around in my behalf.”

Thus, trust in the Lord and believe in yourself. God takes great joy in doing the impossible for those who place their unshakable trust in him.

Some time ago, a reader wrote to me and recounted how she has been through many adverse circumstances in her life: Sickness, divorce, a bout with depression, rejections and several job losses. “But God was consistent in his guidance, and he was always there to cover me and carry me through,” her note stated.

In her letter, she described that she was determined to live a full and productive life. For, if you undervalue yourself, you may end up settling for less than God’s best for you. So this reader chose to go out on a limb, rekindle an old dream, and pursue an opportunity to go to nursing school. Although it was difficult, with a can-do attitude, she embraced it and pressed on in faith.

She refused to sink down into self-doubt and worry because of what previously happened. Or allow past disappointments or unfair circumstances to shape her outlook for the future.

Remember when God parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape and walk forth on dry land, he also closed the water behind them so that they couldn’t return. Similarly, this reader let the door shut on yesterday, and she brought her energies to the present day and to tomorrow. For the only moment that truly matters is right now.

Moreover, she described how she did not allow herself to get sidetracked by other people who were not on track. She didn’t listen to dissenting voices who said she’d never make it. As a magnet is attracted to metal, this reader came to realize that life can go down the path of where our thoughts take us.

So daily, with a strong faith, she prayed. Then, she spoke words that she wanted to see manifested in her life and filled her mind with God’s word that says:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

The reader continued to work hard, putting her gifts and talents to good use. At the conclusion of her letter, she wrote that she finished nursing school and is now working at a hospital, “Today, I believe I am serving God’s purpose in helping those in need.”

Like this reader, God has a will, a great plan and a wonderful purpose for you. You’re not limited or lacking. You were born to make a difference and to give this world something that no one else can. Don’t give up on yourself. It is never too late, not now, not ever, for you to pursue your passions and live a purposeful, meaningful, joy-filled life.

This is your time. It’s your year to step up to a new place by seeing the worth in yourself that God sees in you. God looks at you with love. He has endless ways to bless you and is leading you to victory in each area of your life.

Catherine Galasso-Vigorito is a syndicated columnist. Email her at cgv@anewyouworldwide. To order a copy of her new book, “The Open Window, 8 Weeks to Creating an Extraordinary Life,” visit www.anewyouworldwide.com